RWE, in partnership with Siemens Gamesa, has begun installing the first large-scale recyclable rotor blades at a UK offshore wind farm. The blades use a new type of resin that allows the materials to be separated and recycled at the end of their operational life, potentially for use in products such as vehicle components, bicycle helmets and suitcases.
Under a 2023 agreement with Siemens Gamesa, RWE’s Sofia Offshore Wind Farm off the north-east coast of England is being fitted with 150 recyclable blades across 50 of its 100 turbines. Around 50% of the blades have already been installed, with work continuing throughout the year.
Offshore construction at Sofia is being carried out by Siemens Gamesa using the vessel Wind Peak, operated by Cadeler from the Port of Hull.
The wind farm, located on Dogger Bank in the central North Sea, is under construction with a maximum installed capacity of 1.4 GW. It will feature Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 turbines with 108-metre blades and a 222-metre rotor diameter. The project is targeting operational status in 2026.
